Dog behavior problems can be confusing and stressful for both dogs and their humans. If your dog is showing unwanted behaviors, understanding their origin is the first step toward change. In this article, we explore the most common causes of dog behavior problems and explain when it is important to take action.
What Is a “Behavior Problem” in Dogs?
A behavior problem is a commonly used term to describe an undesirable behavior in a dog. In reality, any behavior can be considered problematic depending on the context in which it occurs and/or its intensity.
For example, it is perfectly appropriate for a livestock guardian dog to bark when a person approaches the herd and is perceived as a potential threat. However, that same barking behavior may become undesirable in a different context—such as in an apartment when neighbors walk down the hallway or when the elevator is heard. It is the same dog and the same behavior, but expressed in a different environment.
A behavior problem can cause suffering—usually emotional, but sometimes physical—for the dog and/or their human. There is a wide range of behaviors that may be considered problematic depending on context and intensity. Some common examples include:
- Stereotypic behaviors with no clear function (chasing cars, shadow chasing, spinning) or self-injurious behaviors (excessive licking, hair pulling)
- Protective behaviors, such as barking when someone passes the house or hallway, or when a person approaches valued resources (food, toys, couch, etc.)
- Aggressive behaviors toward humans, other dogs, or animals
- Poor emotional regulation (stress, excitement, frustration, anger), leading to impulsive or dangerous behaviors such as jumping, biting, or lack of self-control
- Separation-related behaviors (barking, destruction when left alone)
- Boredom-related behaviors (attention-seeking, destruction)
- Predatory behaviors (chasing wildlife, cats, or moving objects)
What Causes Behavior Problems in Dogs?
Identifying the origin of an unwanted behavior is often difficult, as it is usually multifactorial. However, several key factors are known to influence behavior:
- Genetics and temperament: Breed tendencies, individual temperament, and preferred stress responses (freeze, flight, or fight). Dogs are not “blank slates”—they carry genetic predispositions linked to their breed or mix, each with specific behavioral tendencies. On top of that, each individual dog has their own resilience and preferred response to perceived danger.
- Past experiences: Both negative and positive experiences in similar contexts. For example, a dog that felt frightened or became sick in a car at a young age may develop a negative association with car rides.
- Lack of proper socialization or familiarization during the sensitive socialization period (up to around 16 weeks of age). This may involve insufficient exposure to other dogs, humans, environments, or species.
- Learned behaviors that have been reinforced—intentionally or unintentionally. Dogs learn through association: if a behavior brings relief, satisfaction, or reward, it is more likely to be repeated. For instance, if destroying the couch helps a dog cope with stress when left alone, that behavior is likely to persist.
Regardless of the origin of the behavior, it is essential to understand the dog’s motivation for displaying it. This understanding is what allows an appropriate and effective behavior modification plan to be put in place.
How to Address a Behavior Problem
If you are facing one or more behavior problems with your dog, it is important to act quickly and seek support from a qualified dog trainer specialized in behavior, whose methods align with your values.
The sooner you intervene, the less time the problematic behavior has to become established and reinforced—making it easier to reverse. A skilled behavior professional can help you implement a structured behavior modification process (often referred to as behavioral rehabilitation) using a protocol tailored to your dog and your situation. To learn more about behavioral rehabilitation, you can read this article.
The choice of training method is crucial. There are many different approaches to dog training, some of which are fundamentally opposed to one another. Many popular methods promoted on social media promise fast, dramatic results—but they are rarely respectful of the dog’s emotional state.
While behavior may appear to change, the dog is often simply inhibited, afraid to react due to punishment. In such cases, the outward behavior changes, but the underlying emotional response and stress level remain unchanged—or even worsen. This is why attempting to “fix” a behavior problem without solid knowledge of learning theory and training methods can be risky. Mistakes can intensify the problem or create long-term trauma.
For this reason, it is far safer to work from the beginning with a professional you trust, using methods aligned with your values. In my work, fear or force is never used to obtain behavior. Instead, we rely on motivation, positive reinforcement, and always respect the dog’s comfort zone in order to support emotional well-being.
Conclusion
As we have seen, many behaviors can be considered “problematic” depending on the context in which they occur and their intensity.
Not all dogs are equal when it comes to the likelihood of developing behavior problems. Each dog has their own genetics, temperament, learning history, and life experiences.
When a behavior problem arises, it is always best to act as early as possible by working with a dog trainer specialized in behavior—above all, one whose methods align with your values and respect your dog’s emotional needs.
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